The arraignment of Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, was adjourned on Thursday by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje till February 3, 2025.
According to reports, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, or EFCC, detained Yusuf on Wednesday and took him to court on Thursday to face fraud charges.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the arraignment has been rescheduled for Monday to allow for amendments to the charges.
The defence counsel, Isah Dokto Haruna, who held brief for the lead defence counsel, O.I.Habeeb, SAN, made an application for bail.
The court turned down the application on account of the defendant’s deferred arraignment.
Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu adjourned the matter till February 3, 2025, for arraignment and ruled that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Commission.
Yusuf’s arrest and prosecution followed a petition submitted to the Federal Government during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, over alleged misconduct and fraudulent practices.
It was gathered that Yusuf was relieved of his appointment in 2019 by Buhari, seven months after he was recommended for dismissal by a fact-finding panel set up by the Federal Ministry of Health over alleged mismanagement of N919 million.
